Roth’s to close, cites Walmart decision

The Keizer Roth’s Fresh Markets will close its doors June 26 citing the possible looming presence of a Walmart in the city.

“We engaged a market survey company to calculate our sales after the Walmart SuperCenter is built in Area C at Keizer Station and Target adds fresh groceries. The report was very clear; with six grocery stores in the Keizer area serving 36,145 people, our sales will be too low to continue operating the store,” said Michael Roth, Roth’s president and CEO in a letter to the Keizertimes announcing the closure.

Company officials are working to ensure the 42 employees of the store will be transferred to other Roth’s locations.

“The other Roth locations have been subsidizing the Keizer location to keep it open. Lately even our banking partner has been concerned about this use of resources. The market study pointed out that after Walmart is open this subsidy would grow so large, it could be unsustainable, so we are making the necessary arrangements to close the store,” Roth said.

The longtime Keizer business opened in its current location in 1990.

“We are grateful to the many customers that have shopped at the store since 1990. We value getting to be a big part of the community and will miss our involvement with the many organizations we sponsored and partnered with,” Roth said.